1956 Jaguar MK1 2.4 Litre

Registration No: KAN 169

Chassis No: S900939

MOT: Exempt

Debuted in Episode 1, Series 1 of the internationally popular TV series Endeavour

Featured in a further twenty-nine of the thirty-six episodes and on the cover of numerous books, DVDs and merchandising

A former concours award winner with a rich, pre-fame history

The literary creation of crime novelist Colin Dexter, Endeavour Morse subsequently became one of Britain’s best loved TV detectives. Played by John Thaw (Inspector Morse, 33 episodes, 1987-2000) and Shaun Evans (Endeavour, 36 episodes, 2012-2023), the character enjoys a global following. Originally envisioned as driving a Lancia, Morse became synonymous with the Jaguar marque as soon as he hit the silver screen. The MK2 2. 4 piloted by John Thaw during the filming of Inspector Morse was famously temperamental which is doubtless why the team behind Endeavour opted for a MK1 2. 4 litre – this very car, ‘KAN 169’ – which was in much better condition.

A former concours award winner that had been featured in several magazines, the sleek Black saloon had had its cylinder head reworked to run on unleaded fuel and been fitted with overdrive by the time that MGM Cars Ltd of Elstree Studios acquired it during 2012. Debuting in Episode 1 of Series 1, the four-seater was initially associated with Endeavour’s mentor Detective Inspector Fred Thursday. Disappearing at the end of Series 5, the Jaguar becomes Endeavour’s transport after he finds it languishing in a police carpool during Episode 2 of Series 6 prompting the lines: "What's wrong with it? Nothing just had it's day that's all. I've got it down for scrap 'n' spares". Interestingly, ‘KAN 169’ itself was garaged stored and off the road from 1975 – 1990. Starring in 30 of the 36 Endeavour episodes, the MK1 2. 4 also graced the front cover of books and box sets associated with the programme such was its prominence as a ‘hero car’.

Well documented before it found fame, the Black saloon was supplied new via Henly’s on April 19th 1956. Passing to its second keeper fifteen years later, the four-seater was laid-up following a MOT failure in 1975 due to front suspension and steering joint issues at an indicated 36, 980 miles. Acquired by its third keeper during February 1989, the MK1 2. 4 was subject to an extensive restoration which was chronicled in the June – October 1990 issues of Jaguar Enthusiast Magazines. Later gracing the pages of Country Living (1991), Jaguar Quarterly (1992), Classic Cars (1994) and Classic & Sportscar (1994), ‘KAN 169’ was also used to tour Europe. Now showing some 95, 000 miles to its odometer, the Black saloon remains highly presentable. Starting readily and running well during our recent photography session, its plush, Red leather upholstery is familiar to (quite literally) millions of viewers as is the prop in-car telephone which remains with it.

A fine MK1 in its own right, ‘KAN 169’ boasts a unique provenance and its own place in TV history. Offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, album of restoration photos and extensive history file.